Speak Out August 2017

Professional practice

Myths, and misconceptions

Are you displaying the SPA CPSP logo? Did you know SPA has a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist logo that you can use to denote membership status to your clients. While you are a member with full CPSP status you can use the logo on your website, let- terheads, business cards and other approved purposes. It is a great way to let your clients know that you are in “good standing” with your professional organisation. If you would like to use the logo then please complete the appropriate form on the logo page of the website. You will then be sent a high quality, print ready file you can use in your practice. Contact Rebecca Faltyn, Assistant Manager, Communications and Marketing, pubs@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

in speech pathology practice…

Myth... I can bill Medicare clients under the Medicare number of the owner of the practice where I work. Reality... You need your own Medicare provider number and must never use another speech pathologist’s provider number. Once you have your own provider number, familiarise yourself with the MBS Guidelines: www.mbsonline.gov.au. Also read SPA’s document about Medicare programs and provider numbers Myth... I do not need my own indemnity insurance – the practice owner’s insurance will cover me. Reality... SPA advises that all members take out individual professional indemnity insurance so they have their own cover. The National Code of Conduct for unregistered health practitioners clearly states that, a health practitioner should ensure that appropriate indemnity insurance arrangements are in place in relation to his/her practice. For more information see SPA’s professional indemnity document. Myth... As long as I provide an appropriate receipt, I do not need to know if a client is making a claim for my fees through their private health fund (PHF) or which health fund they are making claims through. Reality... As a provider you need to be aware that you are responsible for knowing which PHF your client is claiming from, the terms of service delivery with the PHF; if you need to be registered with that PHF and what information you need to retain in case the PHF conducts an audit. For more details read SPA’s document: Private Health Fund Auditing process Myth.. I don’t need anything in writing between myself and my workplace (e.g., private practice I work in, school or RACF I visit). Reality... It is essential that all arrangements (even with friends) are in writing. Written contracts provide certainty for everyone and clearly set out what has been agreed between you and the other party. Read SPA’s documents: Contracts for Private Practice and Private Practitioners Working in Schools (which includes a service agreement template) under Professional Resources. Nichola Harris Acting Senior Advisor Professional Practice

AHPA Digital Health webinars The final, free webinar in this series titled Digital Health will be held on 24 August, 2017, 7:30pm. More information is available at: www.ahpa.com.au/Home.aspx You can also access the recordings of the other three webinars about Medical Software; Contacts, Referrals and Secure Messaging and Clinical Notes and Informa- tion Sharing at: www.trainitmedical.com. au/allied-health-providers-free-resources

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August 2017 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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